Administrators of programs that focus on (or simply encounter) addictions or risky behaviors must:
- Keep their programs running smoothly
- Ensure that the work environment is supportive to staff
- Take care to continually respond to the clients’ needs
Administrators of programs that focus on addictions should have a basic understanding of addiction and be knowledgeable about:
- Quality improvement and change management
- Third party billing practices
- Budgeting, accounting
- Organizational management
- Grants application and management
- Healthcare reform
- Regulatory requirements, licensure and accreditation
Administrators in all settings (corporate, non-profit, educational, governmental) should have a basic understanding of the impact risky behavior and addiction can have on the productivity and health of their workforce.
- Administrators/Staff should be able to identify impaired professionals, and have established Human Resources procedures to direct them to an Employee Assistance Program or other source of help.
- Administrators benefit from understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act, because addiction is recognized as a disability under certain circumstances. Administrative responses to addiction should be consistent with the ADA. Be aware of the options for health care professionals seeking recovery to find support from organizations specific to their profession, such as those for nurses, physicians and social workers.
- Training staff in how to properly respond to customers or clients who are drunk or high can help to make work less stressful for staff.
Most administrators have a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Administrators can advance by:
- Taking on higher positions (Executive Director, CEO, etc.)
- Taking the same position in larger organizations
- Consulting on management of addictions services